Hiking

Current Conditions, Mount Whitney Trail, September 2014

Current Conditions, Mount Whitney Trail, September 2014

Mount Whitney is one of the most iconic spots, and one of the most sought after peaks in the mountaineering community. At 14,508 feet (and growing), it is the tallest peak in the continental forty-eight states.

The Slot, Anza-Borrego State Park

The Slot, Anza-Borrego State Park

Anza-Borrego State Park is one of the hidden gems of Southern California. While it does not have the notoriety of Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, or the Mojave National Preserve; it does have abandoned mines, long-lost nineteenth century stagecoach stations, a mountain with a cabin atop it, petroglyphs, the best mud caves in North Americathe largest free standing railroad trestle, and much more, including strange myths and legends. It also is home to "the Slot", a little known but excellent short hike that has become one of my favorite hikes in the park.

Sunset Trail

Sunset Trail

While there are many great hikes in the Lagunas, one of the best hikes is the Sunset Trail to the Water of the Woods, as it provides great opportunities for solitude amongst some unique and stunning San Diego terrain.

Kwaaymii Point

Kwaaymii Point

One of the more obscure and strange hiking destinations in San Diego is located on the Eastern border of the county, and sits right on the border of the Anza-Borrego State Park and the Cleveland National Forest. In addition to being one of the strangest hiking destinations, the spot has some of the best views in the county as it is located on the edge of the Laguna Mountains. 

Hot Springs Mountain

Hot Springs Mountain

At 6,533 feet, Hot Springs Mountain is the tallest peak in San Diego County, and is twenty one feet taller than the second tallest peak, Cuyamaca Peak (6,512 feet). Hot Springs Mountain is tucked away in the far Northern corner of San Diego County off of Highway 79 in Warner Springs. 

Clearwater Falls, Oregon

Clearwater Falls, Oregon

One of the best places to see waterfalls in the United States is relatively unknown, and a little off the beaten track. However, if you are willing to explore a bit, and have the flexibility to spend at least a day adventuring about without a set schedule, you will be amazed by what you will see; and by what you can discover. The location is the North Umpqua River, located in South-central Oregon.

Sinnott Memorial Overlook

Sinnott Memorial Overlook

Crater Lake National Park is one of the most remote National Parks in the contiguous United States, but it is also one of the most beautiful National Parks. For hundreds of years, people have been impressed by the incredible cerulean blue color of the lake, and have been inspired by the incredible natural beauty that exists throughout the park. While there is not a bad view of the lake from anywhere along the crater rim, one of the best views is easily accessible in Rim Village at the Sinnott Memorial Overlook.